Tokoname: Discover the City's History Through Sake and Ceramics!

Tokoname: A pottery and Sake Wonderland near Nagoya Airport(NGO)

Just two stops on the Meitetsu Line from Nagoya Airport (NGO), Tokoname is a city that reveals its charm only to those who take the time to explore it at a leisurely pace.

Famous for its Tokoname ware, which has been produced since the 12th century, the city features the Pottery Footpath. Here, you'll find numerous pottery galleries, cafés showcasing beautiful Tokoname ware, and historic kilns that tell the story of local pottery-making.

Tokoname is also known for its exquisite sake. Sawada Shuzo Sake Brewery is one of the most notable manufacturers, celebrated for collaborations with local artisans and globally renowned artists like Theaster Gates.

We invite you to immerse yourself in Tokoname's rich culture, shaped by its local soil and water. Spend a relaxing day exploring the city with an itinerary that includes delicious dining, sake tasting, and the chance to appreciate precious Tokoname ware.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Tokonyan Leads the Way!
• 2. The Tokoname Pottery Footpath
• 3. Lunch at Tokonameya
• 4. Sake Tasting at Sawada Shuzo

1. Tokonyan Leads the Way!

While Tokoname is renowned for its pottery and sake, it is also famous for maneki neko, or beckoning cats. These lucky figurines, with their raised paws, are believed to attract good fortune and happy customers. You'll find them at nearly every corner from the moment you arrive at the train station.

The most notable among them is Tokonyan, a giant maneki neko that peeks over the hills and is visible even from Tokoname Station. The cat’s nose and claws are crafted from Tokoname ware and this impressive figure has become a city landmark. The best spot for photos is the bridge directly in front of it.

Tokonyan

479-0836 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

A popular spot in Tokoname City, situated along the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, is where you can see a huge and impressive beckoning cat (maneki neko). This functions as a signpost for those aiming to visit the Tokoname Pottery Path from Tokoname Station. The cat statue peeking out from above the wall measures 3.8 meters high and 6.3 meters wide. When visiting the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, please come and see Tokonyan for yourself in Tokoname City.

Tokonyan also marks the entrance to the Pottery Footpath, one of the highlights of Tokoname.

2. The Tokoname Pottery Footpath

Pottery Footpath is located in the Sakaemachi district of Tokoname, an area rich in historical kilns and charming, winding streets that reflect traditional aesthetics.

As you explore, you'll see Tokoname ware enhancing the streets and gardens. Large ceramic containers, once used to store shochu (distilled liquor), have been creatively repurposed into walls and pathways, adding to the area's unique character.

Dokanzaka Hill, with its alleyway bordered by walls made of Tokoname ware, has become an iconic feature of the Pottery Footpath, the main tourist attraction in Tokoname.

Vacant buildings have been renovated into pottery studios, art galleries, and cafés, creating a lively atmosphere that makes this area a delight to explore.

TOU HYOHACHI Gallery Kanon, situated near the Tokonyan statue, is one of the spots worth visiting. Its beautiful display of ceramic objects outside will spark your curiosity and entice you to step inside. The shop features a stunning selection of ceramic items, ranging from decorative pieces to everyday ware.

As you stroll along the Pottery Footpath, you'll notice how deeply ingrained Tokoname ware is in the local lifestyle. The significance of ceramics in the lives of residents is often understated, highlighting how central pottery is to the community - a truly enlightening experience for visitors.

The best place to learn about Tokoname pottery and its fascinating history is the Tokoname Tou no Mori Museum. This facility, which offers free admission, serves as both a research institute and a training center for ceramic artists.

The exhibits chronicle the evolution of Tokoname ware from its origins in the 12th century. With explanations available in both Japanese and English, visitors will find them easy to follow and highly informative, helping to clarify the connection between Tokoname's geographical features and its rich pottery traditions.

Throughout the museum, you'll find hands-on experience areas where you can try your hand at Tokoname pottery techniques.

One of our favorites is the corner dedicated to Tokoname teapots. These distinctive reddish ceramic teapots, considered the standard for Japanese teapots, originate from Tokoname. Here, you’ll discover that a teapot consists of six parts and can choose from various components to assemble your own unique creation, with over a hundred possible combinations!

The Tou no Mori Museum also features temporary exhibitions that showcase a curated selection of ceramic works. Be sure to explore this vibrant facility and its grounds, where large ceramic artworks are on display.

Tokoname Tou no Mori Museum

4-203 Segi-cho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

The Tokoname Tou no Mori Museum consists of three facilities: a museum, a research institute, and a training studio. It operates under the ideology of ""promoting and passing down Tokoname ware while creating and disseminating ceramic culture."" In the permanent exhibition room, you'll find pots and large-scale products that tell the history of Tokoname displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. There are also tools that have been passed down through the creativity and skills of local potters. In addition, seasonal exhibitions are held in the special exhibition room. The main entrance, which is inspired by the inside of a kiln, exudes a mighty presence and is very eye-catching. Admission is free.

Another iconic spot along the Pottery Footpath is the Climbing Kiln Plaza, an open space featuring two large, colorful ceramic artworks. 

This area is framed by historic kilns with red-brick chimneys, offering a picturesque view that beautifully represents Tokoname's rich pottery heritage.

Take a peek inside the Climbing Kiln, also known as the Toei Kiln, one of the best-preserved kilns in the district, which operated from 1887 until 1974. 

Inside, you can still see the remains of its eight firing chambers, along with ten chimneys of varying heights that helped maintain an even temperature during firing.

Directly in front of the Climbing Kiln is Hotaruko, a pottery gallery that feels like a treasure hunt with every visit! 

Hotaruko has a Toyotomi selection of maneki-neko (beckoning cats) and cat ornaments, and you'll likely be tempted to take one home as a souvenir from Tokoname.

Hotaruko

479-0836 6-140 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

Hotaruko is a gallery located in the middle of the Tokoname Pottery Footpath, in front of the Noborigama (climbing kiln), an important tangible folk cultural property of the country. This gallery exhibits and sells many unique works, mainly those crafted by Tokoname ceramic artists. There are many cute items such as gentle-faced Jizo statues and beckoning cats, making this gallery feel like you're on a treasure hunt.

Just around the corner, facing the plaza, is Tomo’s World, a gallery operated by an artisan who creates all the ceramic pieces herself. 

Featuring a distinctive color palette of green, white, and black inspired by nature, the ware at Tomo’s World exudes elegance and elevates the beauty of Tokoname pottery to new heights.

Tomo's World

479-0836 6-134 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

This gallery is where pottery artists display and sell their pottery. The pottery at Tomo's World exudes an air of elegance, elevating the beauty of Tokoname ware to new heights. The selection features a unique color palette of green, white, and black inspired by nature. The gallery name is derived from the artist's name ""Tomomi.'' It is located right near Noborigama Hiroba (Climbing Kiln Square).

This slope located in front of the Takita Residence is called ‘Denden-zaka’ (Denden Hill) after a nearby hill that overlooks the ships in Ise Bay.

We recommend saving the Takita Family Residence for last. This former home of a wealthy shipping family offers insight into Tokoname's rich history. . This former home of a wealthy merchant speaks volumes about Tokoname 's rich history.

Situated by Ise Bay, Tokoname was historically a hub where goods produced in the area, including ceramics and sake, were loaded onto ships and distributed throughout Japan.

Built in 1850, the Takita Family Residence is now a museum. The displays of furniture, ceramics, and lacquerware provide a glimpse into the family's lifestyle during the Edo period (1603-1868) and the region's maritime history.

Just a minute's walk from the Takita Residence is Chouwa Omusubi, a charming shop specializing in onigiri rice balls. 

Be sure to stop by to taste some of the best onigiri in Japan, featuring rich fillings and toppings that highlight the culinary delights of Tokoname. All these delicious fillings use fermented ingredients. The items at Chouwa Omusubi, including their tasty miso soups, are available for take-out.

The Takita Family Residence is conveniently located near Tokoname Station, making it a great final stop on your visit. However, please note that both the Takita Residence and Chouwa Omusubi close at 16:30, so aim to arrive by 15:30 to fully enjoy their charm.

CHOUWA OMUSUBI

479-0836 4-113 Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture Sakae Town

Based on the concept of "rice balls that soothe the intestines," this rice ball shop uses special local ingredients such as fermented seasonings and malt. We recommend the special enzyme brown rice. This takeout restaurant opened in December 2024 and operates inside a renovated 100-year-old house. This is due to the owner's desire to preserve the beautiful old architecture and culture.

Tokoname Pottery Footpath

479-0836 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

The Tokoname Pottery Footpath refers to the area where the ceramic industry was at its most prosperous in the early Showa period. Chimneys, kilns, and factories still dot the area, quietly conveying the state of those days. Today, many artists still have studios here. The area has wonderful galleries, cafes, pottery shops, and miscellaneous goods stores. The starting point for the walk is the Tokoname City Ceramic Hall, which is a 5-minute walk from Tokoname Station. Enjoy strolling through the maze-like alleyways with the pamphlet you got here in hand. There are also sightseeing guided tours that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Tokoname. Please take advantage of these excursions.

3. Lunch at Tokonameya

As a great lunch spot while exploring the Pottery Footpath, we recommend Tokonameya, a restaurant and café that offers dishes made with local ingredients served in beautiful Tokoname ware.

Housed in a renovated traditional building that once functioned as a ceramic pipe factory, Tokonameya features a charming wooden interior. The second floor is a spacious gallery showcasing local pottery, including kyusu, the beloved Japanese teapots.

At Tokonameya, the dishes feature seasonal local vegetables and seafood. Popular lunch offerings include the Tokoname Chirashi, a local type of sushi served with soup and a side of boiled vegetables, and the Rice with Hayashi Sauce, paired with a generous salad. 

The vegetables are perfectly cooked to retain their natural flavors, providing a delicious and well-balanced meal that energizes you for further exploration.

Tokonameya also boasts an extensive dessert menu featuring Japanese treats, including a sencha tea set with traditional confections served in Tokoname ware, as well as a matcha tea set with wagashi. You'll also find sweet delights like muffins, mousse desserts, and bread.

At Tokonameya, you’ll also find a selection of sake products made by Sawada Shuzo, as the restaurant is affiliated with this renowned brewery. If you cannot make it to the brewery, consider picking some of these beverages as souvenirs to enjoy a taste of Tokoname at home.

Dining at Tokonameya allows you to savor local flavors in a relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by exquisite Tokoname ware. As you handle the plates, cups, and teapots, you’ll feel a connection to the rich history of Tokoname ceramics and the soil that has supported this craft for centuries.

Tokonameya

479-0836 3-111 Sakaemachi , Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture Sakae Town

This cafe offers a wide selection from its menu, including lunch sets to enjoy Tokoname chirashi-zushi made with seasonal freshly-caught fish, matcha tea sets, and Japanese sweets sets all served in Tokoname ware bowls. With the Sencha set, you can enjoy seasonal desserts and tea brewed in a Tokoname-yaki teapot. All of the dishes and cafe items are served in unique Tokoname yaki pottery, which further enhances the food's deliciousness in appearance. The building is an old wooden pipe factory that has been renovated to create a relaxing space. Various Tokoname ware are lined up on the 2nd floor, with the gallery also promoting the charms of Tokoname. You can purchase popular products such as the Shiraoi sake series and plum wine made in partnership with Sawada Sake Brewery.

4. Sake Tasting at Sawada Shuzo

A visit to Tokoname would be incomplete without a sake tasting at Sawada Shuzo, a renowned local brewery that has been producing sake since 1848.

Sake, Japan's national alcoholic beverage, is created through fermentation. At Sawada Shuzo, traditional methods of steaming and fermentation are meticulously employed, utilizing the region's geographical features. 

The water used in the production of sake is drawn from a spring on a hill 2km away and piped to a well in the brewery.

Sawada Shuzo takes great pride in its flagship sake, Hakurou, which can be enjoyed both casually and on special occasions. Variations of Hakurou are featured in other products, including their delightful Umeshu beverages and the Chita no Hanatsuyu, a high-quality junmai daiginjo sake known for its exceptional fruity aroma.

At Sawada Shuzo, you can take a guided tour of the brewery to gain insight into their meticulous production process. Alternatively, experience the sake tasting called Sasarake, which features four types of sake served in special Tokoname ware cups designed specifically for each sake variety.

These cups were created in collaboration with local Tokoname artisans, highlighting the pride Tokoname takes in its local products: exceptional sake and fine Tokoname ware.

As you savor each type of Hakurou sake, you'll start to notice the connections between the sake and the specially designed cups. For instance, the cup used for Chita no Hanatsuyu features an elegant design, glazed on the inside and partially on the outside—reflecting the up to 35% polishing of the rice used to create this sake, which contributes to its sophisticated flavor.

The sake served in the greenish cup is Karakara, a “young” sake, showcasing a fresh, raw flavor. In contrast, the reddish-orange cup, crafted from the same clay as Tokoname teapots, holds a special junmai sake Hakurou made with polished rice of the Wakamizu variety, a local type of sake rice; this is a mellow sake that can be enjoyed daily—much like the familiar presence of Tokoname teapots in one's home. 

Finally, the beverage served in the fourth cup is Houjou, a type of sake aged for 7 years; its rich flavor may evoke memories of your grandparents’ wisdom and warmth. This simple cup is unglazed and features a pattern created by firing it wrapped in pieces of seaweed.

The Sasarake sake tasting experience at Sawada Shuzo is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of Tokoname and how the area's geographical features influence local crafts and cuisine. 

You'll likely be tempted to take home some sake along with at least one of the unique cups as souvenirs. The sake cups can be purchased individually or as a set together with the sake that inspired their design, allowing you to cherish your experience long after your visit.

Sawada Shuzo (Sake Brewery)

479-0818 4-10 Kobacho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

Sawada Shuzo is a historic sake brewery founded in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture in 1848, at the end of the Edo period. Tokoname City is also known for its Tokoname ware. The brewery's representative brand is ""Hakurou."" The name of the brewery reflects the ""carefully polished white color of rice'' alongside ""a wish for the health and longevity of its customers'' and ""pursuing an expertise in sake brewing.'' The Chita Peninsula, where Tokoname is located, is a region with a thriving culture of brewing products such as seafood, agricultural and livestock products, as well as sake, miso, vinegar, and tamari soy sauce. To support the local rich food culture, Sawada Shuzo continues to produce rich, flavorful sake using local rice, spring water, and traditional wooden tools for everything from ordinary sake to daiginjo. The brewery believes that old yet traditional methods are the best way to bring out the deliciousness of rice and avoid any unpleasant tastes. Since the company's founding, the brewing water that is indispensable for sake brewing has been sourced from a spring up on a hill two kilometers away from the brewery. The water has been brought to a well in the sake brewery through a private tap. As a local sake brewery originating from the fermented food culture of the Chita Peninsula, they believe in creating sake that complements food while being in harmony with nature. Be sure to take a tour of the sake brewery. You can enjoy tastings and experience how sake is made through great care and attention to ingredients, manufacturing methods, and tools. To make Tokoname's local ""Hakurou"" sake more delicious and enjoyable, the brewery has created four types of sake vessels in collaboration with potters. On the tour, you can enjoy pairing sake with different flavors and sake vessels that bring out the individuality of each fermented rice beverage.

Access: How to Get to Tokoname

Getting to Tokoname is convenient and easy.

From Nagoya Airport (NGO), take the Meitetsu Airport Line directly to Tokoname Station. The ride takes 5 minutes and costs 330 yen for adults and 170 yen for children.

From the Nagoya area, take the Tokoname from Meitetsu Nagoya Station and get off at Tokoname Station. If you take the express train, the journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 750 yen for adults.

We hope you have a wonderful time exploring the pottery and sake wonderland of Tokoname! Discover the Japan’s fermented food culture!